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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Wednesday,March 22,2017 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> 4. PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK PROGRAM—UPDATE-Continued <br /> City's Cleanup Day. Staff will be on site to collect unused prescription drugs that day only from 8 a.m. to <br /> 2 p.m. The other days of the year the deactivation bags will be available to residents at the Orono Police <br /> Station. Each of the bags will hold 45 pills,six ounces of liquor or six patches. <br /> Farniok stated one of the leading causes of people becoming addicted to drugs is through using <br /> prescription drugs. The bags will allow residents to dispose of their prescription drugs year-round rather <br /> than having to wait for the one-day drug take back event. Currently there are only two drop-off sites in <br /> this area,one at Hennepin County Water Patrol in Spring Park and one at Ridgedale District Court. <br /> Farniok cautioned people to not flush their prescription drugs down the toilet since it can cause issues <br /> with the City's drinking water and sanitation system. <br /> Farniok stated the Orono Police Department has partnered with Crime Prevention Fund in this program <br /> and 300 bags have been purchased for Orono. Farniok stated the bags are easy to use and are safe for <br /> landfills. Farniok stated the police have had issues with people breaking into homes and stealing <br /> prescription drugs and that this is one way to get rid of unused and unwanted prescription drugs. <br /> Farniok reported last year the City took in 58 pounds of prescription drugs at the Take Back Event. The <br /> drugs are then taken to the incinerator. Farniok noted they do not track anyone who brings in drugs. <br /> Printup asked how the information about the program will be disseminated to the public. <br /> Farniok stated the program has just been launched but that they will be putting information online,in the <br /> police department office,and city newsletter. Farniok stated the bags will not be handed out at different <br /> events because the bags cost just under$3 per bag. Farniok stated they would like the residents to come <br /> into the police department to pick one up. <br /> Walsh suggested information also be posted to the City's Facebook Page. <br /> The City Council took no formal action on this item. <br /> 2016 POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT-PRESENTATION <br /> Police Chief Correy Farniok provided a recap of the activities of the Orono Police Department for 2016. <br /> Farniok stated the Police Department prides themselves in building partnerships within the community <br /> and that those partnerships make the Orono Police Department better aware of what is happening in the <br /> City as well as help people become comfortable with asking questions and expressing concerns. <br /> As an example,during National Night Out,the Police Department made contact with hundreds of people. <br /> As part of the Heart Safe Communities,police officers helped train just under 2,000 people on CPR and <br /> AED use. The Police Department also partnered with WeCAN by collecting groceries at various events <br /> and donating refurbished bicycles. <br /> Farniok stated the Police Department also hosts Civilian Use of Force classes,with 18 residents in <br /> attendance. Farniok stated they hope to host another one sometime this fall. The classes are a great <br /> success and help make community members understand why the police do what they do in certain <br /> situations. <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br />